Williams signs new Cardiff contract

NEWS: Cardiff Blues can confirm Lloyd Williams has committed his future to the region by signing a new contract.

The scrumhalf's current deal was due to expire at the end of the season and despite rival interest, he has put pen to paper to remain with his home region.

Williams is the latest player to agree fresh terms, following the likes of Josh Turnbull, Blaine Scully and Seb Davies, and he is optimistic about what the future holds at the Arms Park.

He said: "I'm really happy to have signed a new deal. We managed to get it over the line the other day and I’m pleased it’s done and looking forward to the future.

"I wanted to remain in Wales, that’s the best thing for me and I’m very happy at the club – I have some of my best mates beside me and I feel it’s a really strong team with a lot of optimism.

"It was always the case that if I was staying in Wales then I wanted to stay here at the Cardiff Blues.

"There’s a lot of potential here, it’s the capital city region, brilliantly located and the most important thing is the people in the building.

"Over the last six months we’ve seen yet another great crop of youngsters behind the others, it feels like it’s constant stream which is great for the club.

"We have shown in the past how strong we can be, it’s just a case of consistency and keeping a healthy squad. I’m really looking forward to kicking on here."

With Danny Wilson leaving at the end of the season and a successor yet to be announced, Williams admits he took time to consider his options.

However, after coming through the system at Cardiff Blues and making 151 first team appearances, his decision was based on his teammates and affiliation with the region.

Williams added: "Ultimately it’s a case of who I am playing alongside, not who I am playing for. It’s great to have a good coach but you are on the field with players you want to be with and that’s a big factor for me.

"There are a lot of people here that I trust and rate very highly. We’ve had our ups and downs but that’s part and parcel of professional rugby.

"I really feel we have a talented group here and I’m sure the right people are making the right decisions in terms of who is going to be appointed and hopefully it will be a great appointment for us."